California companies plead to delay strict test rules

LOS ANGELES – Nearly 150 marijuana companies in California warned Friday that they could suffer crushing financial losses unless the state extends the July 1 deadline setting strict standards for testing and packaging pots.

The United Cannabis Business Association said the changes would further disrupt the troubled legal market that began on January 1, which could force businesses to close down.

The trade group representing cannabis companies said there were too few laboratories to perform these tests. and retailers should destroy large quantities of unsold cannabis that do not meet the new standards.

Association President Jerred Kiloh estimated that businesses could lose nearly $ 400 million if these unsold supplies are destroyed. in accordance … will further paralyze the regulated market already in trouble, "said the letter.

In a statement, the Cannabis Control Bureau gave no indication that it would consider

"We published our emergency regulations in November, and at the time, we were very clear about the fact that there would be a period of transition from six months. for retailers to use their existing supply. We felt that it was a sufficient period of time to deplete stocks and adapt to California's new rules, "said Alex Traverso, spokesman for the company. The agency, in an e-mail

this pot sold after Saturday meets strict quality standards.With the approach of the deadline, retailers have unloaded untested stocks at unbeatable prices.

The creation of the largest legal pot market in the country has been bumpy at best, the black market is still thriving, and the industry is complaining about taxes that can approach 50% in some areas. [19659002] Others fear that a shortage of retailers for both adult marijuana and medicinal marijuana could shut down the supply chain.

California operates under temporary regulations, while the largest city, Los Angeles, was slow to issue permits.

Changing the rules was part of the state's decision to allow the industry to function. start at the beginning of the year. Stores have had six months to consume cannabis and edible foods produced without rigorous requirements

Marijuana harvested this year or sold on July 1 must meet quality and safety standards or be destroyed.

an emerging industry that is struggling to find its place.

The group said the 30 licensed labs that would test the pot would be unable to handle the demand, which would result in a shortage of products on the shelves. A system to track the plants of the seed for sale has been delayed. And the packaging companies are not ready to comply with the new rules.

"Customers and patients will turn to retailers and illicit delivery services who will still have an abundance of products to sell, and licensed retailers will be forced to close," the letter says.

The companies and advocacy groups that signed the letter represent a fraction of the state's legal market. For example, more than 3,300 crop permits have been issued and there are more than 400 licensed retailers.

Associate Press Associate Brian Melley contributed to this report.